The Puttick Lab sits at the intersection of computational biology, immunology and genomics. Our research focuses on understanding how the immune system recognises foreign threats, such as cancer and infected cells, and becomes activated to eliminate them. We also investigate how these processes fail, contributing to human disease.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Research Assistant/Research Officer will join the lab and lead an exciting project focused on the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) genes.
The HLA genes play a central role in both adaptive and innate immunity, governing antigen presentation as well as antigen-independent activating and inhibitory signalling pathways. Our group studies HLA biology using next-generation sequencing data, with a particular focus on understanding how these genes are regulated in both normal tissues and cancer. Due to the extreme genetic diversity of the HLA region, this work requires the development and application of specialised computational approaches. We are seeking talented and motivated researchers to join the lab and contribute to projects investigating the regulation of HLA genes across diverse biological contexts, working closely with our collaborators in London.
Research Assistant/Research Officers are appointed on a salary scale depending on level of experience, performance and requirements of the role required within the lab/group. For further information, refer to Garvan’s Research Assistant, Senior Research Assistant and Research Officer Criteria.
Salary: Up to $117,400 + 14% superannuation + salary packaging (depending on experience)
Employment Type: 2-year fixed-term , full-time
SNAPSHOT OF BENEFITS
Generous salary packaging to save you income tax on your wages thereby boosting your monthly take home pay (max. $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accom)
Ample opportunities for on-going training and development
Stimulating, diverse and highly international research environment
Flexible work arrangements e.g. start / finish times
18 weeks paid parental leave for both parents including paid superannuation
A range of additional leave types to meet your personal needs including cultural leave, conference leave, community service and study leave
Discounted Health Insurance
Lifestyle discounts with our community partners
WHAT YOU WILL DO
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The key responsibilities include:
1. Scientific Excellence
Development of novel computational methods and analytical tools
Analysis of large-scale sequencing and genomics datasets
Biological interpretation of results
Preparation of manuscripts for publication
Presentation of findings at national and international conferences and meetings
Mentoring and supporting junior members of the laboratory
2. Institute Contributions
Values & Integrity: Demonstrate scientific and professional integrity at all times, acting as a role model for ethical behaviour.
Active Participation: Contribute to the wider institute community by participating in committees, outreach projects, or donor activities.
3. Health & Safety and Risk Management
Comply with Garvan’s workplace polices (as amended from time to time) and especially Garvan’s Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy, including working in accordance with the WHS management system at all times, as safety is Garvan’s number one priority.
Proactively identify, assess, and report operational, financial, and safety risks associated with the duties of this role. The incumbent is required to adhere to the organisation’s Risk Management Framework, ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with established policies and procedures, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by suggesting mitigation strategies for identified hazards or inefficiencies.
ABOUT YOU
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
The key skills and experience include:
Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Science or Medicine is required; a Master’s
Degree is preferable for advanced candidates.
Research Officer roles require a PhD or MD (Doctor of Medicine) in a relevant subject area
Experience: Required experience varies depending on appointment level, with RA1 requiring minimal experience and more advanced appointments requiring previous experience.
Technical Skills: High-level skills in coding, data interpretation and statistical analysis.
Competencies: Strong computer literacy (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and the ability to produce publishable-standard visual data representations.
ABOUT GARVAN
Garvan Institute of Medical Research is an independent Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Sydney, delivering scientific and clinical impact on a global basis and in partnership with organisations that share our vision. We are proud to be one of Australia’s largest and most highly regarded MRI’s.
Our vision is global leadership in discoveries to impact and our enduring purpose is to impact human health, by harnessing information encoded in our genome.
We seek to see our world-class discovery research achieve life-changing impacts, not only for individual patients with rare diseases, but for the many thousands affected by complex, common disease.
Garvan promotes a diverse workplace and is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging. We are always looking for culture ‘add’, not culture ‘fit’ and are building diverse teams with great sets of complementary styles and skills to help deliver our important work effectively.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this position, please submit your application with a CV and cover letter as one document, stating why you are interested in this role. We are reviewing applications as they are received. If you think you’re the right person for this role, we’d love to hear how your capabilities, achievements and experience set you apart. Only applicants with full working rights in Australia are eligible to apply for this role.
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